Tracy didn't quite feel like listening to Victoria rant about Jack’s PA, but she wasn't about to ignore her friend. She picked up the receiver.
“Hey. Which Mrs. Storm is this?”
“The sane one,” Natasha responded. “Victoria is driving me crazy, so I talked her into leaving work after lunch to get a mani-pedi.”
Tracy chuckled softly. “Tales of Jack’s new assistant?”
“She won't stop talking about her. I’m getting a little worried. You know Victoria’s crazy ass. They might find that poor lady’s body floating in the Chicago River.”
Tracy laughed, picturing Victoria trying to hide the poor secretary’s body.
“Vic knows that Jack loves her dirty drawers. He would never cheat on her. Besides, why would he cheat? He’s got it made with Victoria, if you know what I mean.”
Natasha was referring to Victoria’s bisexuality and the fact that Jack and Victoria often indulged in threesomes with women of Victoria’s choosing.
“Yeah, I know what you mean. But I think the women are more for Vic’s enjoyment than his. I believe Jack would be perfectly content with a traditional marriage,” Tracy pointed out.
“Whatever. That heffa is suffering from postpartum depression, so I’m gonna take her to the salon. I told her that we needed to get our nails done for the party tonight. But really, I’m trying to keep her ass out of prison. Wanna come?”
Tracy glanced at her computer screen and looked at her lenient schedule.
“Yeah. Why not? I’ll meet you at Storm Tower at twelve-fifteen.”
“Cool. I’ll see you later.”
“Wait! Tasha!” Tracy called into the phone, hoping that Natasha had not hung up yet.
“I’m here. Wassup?”
“Is Tammy gonna be joining us?”
“Naw. She’s having lunch with Mary.”
Mary was Tammy’s stepmother and Jack’s former personal assistant.
“Oh. Okay. Text her and try to get her to talk Mary into going back to work,” Tracy said through laughter.
“I know, right? That would be the perfect solution, but that’s highly unlikely. Mary and Jean-Paul are living it up. Shit, I heard they just got back from Australia.”
“Good for them. Listen, I gotta go. If I’m only gonna work half the day, I need to get on my grind.”
“Tracy, you work too much. Please get a life,” Natasha chuckled.
“I’ll stop working so hard when my financial portfolio reads like yours,” Tracy rebutted.
“All right, now. Then you’d better get to work. Rise and grind, baby girl.”
Tracy laughed, knowing that she would probably have to work two lifetimes to make the type of money Natasha Storm had. Even before her marriage to millionaire casino, nightclub, and restaurateur, Gianni Storm, Natasha had been worth millions.
“Rise and grind,” Tracy repeated before ending the call.
****
“Tracy, your ten o’clock has arrived,” Kim announced.
“Thank you. Please escort them to conference room A.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Tracy walked over to the mirror and checked her appearance. Her outfit of the day was deliberate. She’d paired a sleek, black pantsuit with a pink, silk halter with black polka dots.
Tracy slipped into her blazer and checked her hair and makeup. Her hair was parted in the middle and pulled back into a severe bun. Her look was strategic. In order to be heard, she needed to take the focus off of her ass and onto her presentation. She glossed her lips, grabbed her files, and left her office. With Kim by her side, she marched down the hall, ready to snag another account.
Tracy entered the conference room where execs from Donati Pharmaceuticals were waiting. Donati Pharmaceuticals, one of Europe’s largest drug manufacturers, was an account Tracy had coveted for over a year. They’d finally agreed to a sit-down, only allowing her thirty minutes to convince them that Howard and Leeman could handle all of their marketing needs.
“Good morning, gent—”
Tracy’s greeting faltered at the site of Francis Savelli. He stood slowly and smiled. His presence in the room was suffocating. Francis was the very definition of what a man should be. He was powerfully commanding and sexy as fuck.
Tracy’s stomach dropped, and her sex clinched. Her nipples warmed, and she could actually feel them tighten. She was a becoming a bitch in heat. What the hell was Francis Savelli doing in her conference room?
“Um…good-good morning,” Tracy stammered.
When they greeted in return, she cleared her throat and tried to regain her composure.
“Please, gentlemen, have a seat. Since you’ve only given me a few minutes, I’ll get right to it.”
Once the men were in their seats, Tracy took notice that she and Kim were the only women in the room. Not one woman in their marketing department? But the sexist practices of Donati Pharmaceuticals weren’t Tracy’s concern. Her one and only concern was landing their multimillion dollar business.
What the fuck is he doing here?
None of the execs introduced themselves. Nor did they reveal their titles. Tracy knew that it was on purpose. She’d seen it before. She’d have to work them all.
“Gentlemen, I have absolutely no plans of selling you a website, creating a bunch of pamphlets, or convincing you of the importance of social media. What I will do…”
Tracy paused in order to make eye contact with every one of the men, saving Francis for last. If he thought that he was going to use his unbelievable sex appeal to throw her off her game, he was mistaken. She allowed her gaze to roam from his handsome face to his thick solid chest before continuing.
“…however, is inspire you. I will help you see your business in a new light. I will bring order to chaos, utilize strategy and design to simplify and dissolve any communication issues that I’m sure we’ll never have, and...I will make it look easy.”
Tracy nodded at Kim and walked to the front of the room. She took a sip of water as Kim placed a file in front of each of them. As two receptionists entered to refill empty glasses with water, Tracy dared to steal a glance.
Damn, Francis was fine.
He had thick dark hair that was neatly trimmed, dark chocolate eyes, and lips that made Tracy long to feel them on her skin. She almost fanned herself.
Once everyone had a file in front of them, Tracy shelved her fantasies of Francis mouth-fucking her until she screamed.
“Gentlemen, I might have to go over the thirty minutes allotted. May I continue?”
Tracy asked, already knowing the answer. What she didn’t expect was for the men to look to Francis for confirmation.
Well...well...well...
CHAPTER 4
VICTORIA
Victoria shut down her computer and slid the file that she was working on into her desk drawer. It was almost noon, and she wanted to see Jack before she left. She exited her office and entered the outer office where Tyra worked. Tyra was Victoria’s PA, but she was dangerously close to becoming a friend. Dangerously, Victoria surmised, because her friends had been through the “Storm, ” and they'd proven that they’d been built “Ford Tough.” For that reason alone, Victoria did her best to limit their relationship to a professional basis. Tyra didn't deserve the drama that came with being an associate of the Storm and Savelli family.
“I’m cutting out early. If you need me, hit my cell,” she said as she walked past Tyra’s desk.
“Okay, Vic. Have a good day. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow,” Victoria confirmed before leaving.
Halfway to Jack’s office, she ran into Aaron. Aaron was the head of Storm Enterprise’s IT department. His tech skills had been instrumental in saving her life—twice. Aaron had become more like family than an employee. However, due to a little crush that he’d had on Victoria when she first started to work for Storm Enterprises, Jack kept a watchful eye.
“Hey, Vic. You headed to Jack’s office?”
“Yep.”
“He’s in a mood,” Aaron warned.
“Yeah, I know. He’s exhausted. Last night was his turn to get up with Jack Jr.”
“Ahh…the joy of parenthood,” he said with a chuckle.
Victoria sighed. “A joy indeed, Aaron. Maybe you should give it a shot?”
“Nah. I’ll just live vicariously through you guys.”
Victoria laughed and turned down the hall that led to Jack’s office.
“Later,” she said over her shoulder.
She walked past his smiling receptionist. Victoria smiled in return. She was a temp, so Victoria couldn’t remember her name. Unlike Jack, she was the worst with names. But Jack remembered the names of every employee he came in contact with.
When Katlin, his new PA, rushed out of her office to block Victoria’s path, Victoria took a deep breath and counted to ten in her head. Jack’s assistant took a lot of liberties, fancying herself Jack’s protector.
“I’m sorry, Victoria, Mr. Storm is taking a nap right now. He’s exhausted.”
The bitch had the nerve to look at Victoria like it was her fault that Jack was tired. She couldn’t have known that her face was about six seconds from being slammed into a wall.
Katlin stood in front of her wearing a too tight dress, too much makeup, and a pair of “please fuck me” heels. Little did the woman know, Victoria was conducting a, “please don’t slap this bitch” countdown in her head.
“Miss Greene, you refer to me as Victoria as if we’re girlfriends. We are not. Mrs. Storm is how you will address me from now on.”
The smug look on Katlin’s pretty, caramel-colored face remained intact even as she responded with, “Yes, ma’am, Mrs. Storm it is. Please accept my apologies.”
Victoria didn’t.
“Hey, Vic,” Amy’s assistant called out as she walked past them.
“Hey, Pam,” Victoria responded.
Katlin’s eyes narrowed at Victoria. It was now clear that Victoria didn’t mind being addressed informally. She just wasn’t having it from her stank ass.
Victoria closed the gap between them. She smiled sweetly and whispered, “Miss Greene, if you ever stand between me and my husband again, you’re gonna lose more than your job.”
Katlin’s eyes went buck. “Mrs. Storm, did you just threaten me?”
“Yes,” Victoria confirmed before pushing past the insubordinate assistant.
She entered Jack’s office to find him sleeping peacefully on the sofa. Tip-toeing softly so as not to wake him, she approached her ridiculously handsome husband. For a few seconds, she watched as he slumbered. She hadn't known love until Jackson Storm entered her life. His love was her very survival. He was Victoria’s sun. She would no longer grow, nor could she sustain life without his love to cover her.
Victoria lowered to her knees and planted a soft kiss to his forehead.
“I love you,” she whispered.
Jack stirred, but he didn't wake. Victoria stood and quietly backed away. She turned and eased out of his office, closing the door softly. She walked over to the receptionist.
“Hi,” Victoria said with a smile.
“Hello, Mrs. Storm. Did you need something?”
“Yes. First, I need you to call me Victoria.”
“Yes, ma’am. Victoria it is,” the receptionist agreed with a smile.
“What’s your name?” Victoria asked.
“Karen. Karen Blake.”
“I’m sorry. I’m the worst with names, but I won't forget again.”
“No worries, ma’am.”
“Karen, I need you to hold Mr. Storm’s calls for at least an hour. You do this on my authority. Understand?”
Karen nodded. “I understand.”
“Thanks, Karen.”
“No problem, ma’am.”
“Okay, good. See you later.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Victoria turned and hurried down the hall. She was close to being late for her date with Natasha. She pulled her cellular out of her purse. She needed to make a quick call.
“Hey, Vic. What’s up?”
“Hey, Tyra. I need you to get me a complete workup on Katlin Greene. Have it on my desk by morning.”
“Will do,” Tyra responded.
“Thanks, hon.”
“Not a problem.”
“See you in the AM.”
“In the AM,” Tyra repeated.
****
Two hours later, Victoria was walking into Storm Enterprises. Even after being manicured, pedicured, waxed, and lashed, Victoria couldn’t keep her mind off of her husband. Jack worked harder than anyone at Storm Enterprises. His schedule was brutal, which was why Victoria was looking forward to Tammy and Luca’s wedding. They’d be on the island where Jack would have no choice but to relax and have fun.
Victoria’s feet automatically led her to Jack’s office. She wanted to check on him and tell him how much she loved him.
JACK
The overpowering scent of perfume offended Jack’s senses. He tucked his face into the fold of the sofa in order to escape. He desperately needed fifteen more minutes, and he would have had those fifteen minutes had he not felt a hand softly caressing his balls.
“Mmm…Vic,” he groaned as she straddled him.
“No, Jack, not Vic,” a feminine voice crooned.
Jack’s eyes flew open. The sight of Katlin straddling him topless was completely paralyzing. When Jack’s office door suddenly opened and Victoria stepped inside, Jack clutched his chest. The pain was so severe. He just knew that he was having a heart attack. Surely, he was dying. Judging by the look in his wife’s eyes, permanent paralysis had also just become a very strong possibility.
With his free hand, Jack shoved Katlin off of him. He didn't even look down when she hit the floor. She wasn't his concern. Jack needed Victoria to understand that he would never cheat on her.
“Victoria...baby, this is not what it looks like.”
Jack couldn't believe the movie line that had just flown out of his mouth, but he had no idea what else to say. He could feel the sweat accumulating on his forehead. He was just caught red-handed, doing something that he hadn't really done.
When Katlin picked herself up off the floor, she had the nerve to flash a venomous smile. Was this bitch crazy? Even if she didn't have the good sense to be afraid for herself, Jack was afraid for her. Hell, he was afraid for himself, and Victoria loved him. But there was no love lost between Katlin and Victoria. Jack wasn't worried about his wife hurting him. Losing her would hurt more than any physical pain.
“Sweetheart, listen to me. This is not what it looks like.”
Without acknowledging anything that he was saying, Victoria closed the door. Jack stood slowly, still clutching his chest. He knew, without a doubt, that he had to get Katlin out of there.
“Get your fucking clothes on!” he snapped.
“No, no, no, Jack. She’s fine the way she is,” Victoria said in a soft, but deadly tone. “She’s beautiful.”
“Victoria…please.”
Victoria looked Jack right in the eye. “Get out,” she hissed.
“Victoria,” he said in a tone meant to warn.
“Jack, imagine this situation in reverse.”
“Fuck!” Jack exclaimed.
He pictured himself walking into Victoria’s office, finding some naked motherfucker on top of his wife.
With great reluctance, Jack moved toward the door. Before he left, he turned and looked at Katlin. He tried to warn her with his eyes. The poor idiot had no idea who she was fucking with. Victoria was not to be trifled with.
“Katlin—” he started.
“Get…the…fuck…out,” Victoria gritted as she walked toward him.
Jack’s eyes narrowed at her tone. If she hadn't just walked in on him with a naked woman on top of him, he would've taken her over his knee. But she did, so he got the fuck out.
Victoria slammed the door behind him. Jack heard the lock click.
He didn't know what came over his new assistant, but he wasn't gonna get any answers now because his wife was about to beat the hell out of the stupid woman.
For five long minutes, Jack listened to the sound of furniture bumping, Victoria’s profanities, and Katlin’s pleas for mercy. He sent a silent prayer to God to stop his wife from killing the woman in his office. The prayer wasn't for the benefit of his assistant, but for Victoria. Although she could be hard as nails at times, the remorse from taking a life would surely wound her.
“Is everything okay, Mr. Storm?” Karen asked from her desk.
“No,” Jack responded honestly.
To Jack’s relief, the door finally flew open, and his disheveled wife walked out. Her hair was a mess, and her pantsuit was ruffled, but she didn't have a scratch on her. Victoria walked right past him, tucking her blouse into her pants. She approached Karen’s desk.
“Karen, get that bitch an ambulance!”
“Yes, ma’am,” Karen responded. She picked up the phone while doing her best to suppress a smile.
Jack started to approach Victoria, but he thought better of it. Letting her leave was the best possible course of action. However, her steps halted just as she was about to turn the corner. When she turned her head and looked back at him, he froze.
“Go in there and fire that bitch!”
Jack nodded his head and quickly agreed.
“Okay, baby. Consider it done.”
With that, she disappeared around the corner.
CHAPTER 5
TRACY
Tracy stepped into her emerald green stilettos and walked over to the full-length mirror. She’d paired the green shoes with a white pencil dress. In Tracy’s opinion, it worked out well. After checking her makeup and fluffing her feathered hair with her fingers, Tracy exited her walk-in closet. Her intention was to have a glass of wine before she left, but the sound of her doorbell sent her in the other direction.
Tracy opened the door, fully expecting Will to be on the other side, but it was Francis’ smiling face that greeted her. Her body instantly reacted. It was the same unexplainable reaction that she had every time he was near. Francis was only forty-two, but his polished good looks, along with the wisdom that came with maturity, set him apart from other men. Tracy appraised his muscular frame underneath the perfectly tailored suit a little longer than she had intended.
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